The History of Homecrest Patio Furniture

When you picture mid-century outdoor furniture, chances are you’re picturing Homecrest furniture. Their durable, innovative and comfortable designs dovetailed perfectly with the indoor-outdoor emphasis of MCM, and the company still exists today.

Homecrest: A History of Innovation

Founded in 1953, in Wadena, Minnesota, Homecrest was one of the first outdoor furniture companies based in the United States. Founders Mert Bottemiller and Al Engelmann wanted to create a better quality ottoman than they were seeing on the market at the time. They quickly grew beyond their original vision, however, and created durable and stylish indoor and outdoor furniture. Three years later, in 1956, Bottemiller patented Homecrest’s famous swivel technology that became Homecrest’s signature. Imagine the comfort and flexibility of an office chair, but for relaxing outdoors. This, of course, coincided with mid-century Americans’ growing desire for an ability to enjoy the outdoors from patios and backyards, dining al fresco or visiting with friends and family.

Vintage mid-century modern poolside patio with white wire swivel chairs cushioned in a bold orange, green, and white geometric print, surrounding a round mesh table set with orange tiki glasses, beside a kidney-shaped pool with orange chaise lounges and matching umbrellas, backed by tall saguaro cacti and palm trees under a deep blue desert sky — A kidney-shaped pool surrounded by vintage Homecrest patio furniture on both sides. The vibrant retro-print cushions in classic harvest orange, avocado green, and white feels like the quintessential mid-century fun and sun-soaked backyard.

The chairs were ample enough that they could fit comfortable cushions in durable, stylish fabrics. Homecrest was the first manufacturer of outdoor furniture to use Sunbrella fabrics, designed to withstand sun, rain, mildew and stains. Original upholstery channeled the spirit of the ’60s with bright floral patterns.

Related Reading: An MCM Outdoor Living Planning Guide

Mid-century modern desert courtyard featuring a vintage white metal hanging egg chair with orange and retro-print cushions, centered on a concrete pad surrounded by Corten steel-edged gravel planting beds filled with barrel cacti, succulents, and a sculptural yucca, with tall fan palms rising behind a white block wall under a clear blue sky — This cool and comfortable Homecrest floating chair and stand is perfect for backyard reading or snoozing. it made it’s first appearance in the 1970 catalog.

Homecrest’s tables were also innovative, with their aluminum mesh that was low maintenance to clean. Several table models incorporated swivel technology, providing flexibility ideal for outdoor dining. Homecrest’s success actually led to more competition, as other companies started to produce similar products. Homecrest remained committed to domestic manufacturing, and while the playing field has expanded, Homecrest remains in business to this day.

Homecrest was the first manufacturer of outdoor furniture to use Sunbrella fabrics, designed to withstand sun, rain, mildew and stains. Original upholstery channeled the spirit of the ’60s with bright floral patterns

Today, Homecrest continues to pioneer by practicing EPA-approved green standards in their processes as they furnish America’s outdoor living spaces, both residential and commercial. While the upholstery fabrics are more likely to be simpler patterns and the furniture profile more contemporary, their comfort and durability remain the same.

Enduring Appeal

My paternal grandparents weren’t particularly interested in design, but they had a set of Homecrest patio furniture. They both grew up on farms and were of the no-nonsense school. When my immediate family and I visited them at their home in Southern California, we would sit on the generously cushioned Homecrest patio set and visit under the pergola’s shade.

Vintage white wire swivel patio dining set with bold orange, green, and white mod-print cushions, set with orange tiki glasses on a round mesh table, positioned in front of a decorative gray breeze block screen wall on a concrete patio with gravel planting beds — Palm Springs homeowners Rex and Phillip furnished their backyard with vintage Homecrest furniture reupholstered in a pattern that Rex designed himself. The chairs are swivel rockers and the table’s aluminum mesh is maintenance and resistant for outdoor dining.

My siblings and I enjoyed the chairs’ swivel function and spun ourselves in circles while my grandfather enjoyed leaning his weight back as if his Homecrest swivel chair was an outdoor version of his favorite recliner. They had that patio set my whole life, and it now survives them. My grandfather, trained as an engineer, grew up on an Iowa farm, and their having a patio set designed to last and made in the Midwest makes perfect sense.

I’m not the only one with fond memories that took place around Homecrest furniture. You can still find vintage Mid Century Modern patio sets, loungers, outdoor sofas, side tables and more at estate sales, garage sales or online at venues such as Etsy, Chairish and 1stdibs. Palm Springs homeowners Rex Bomonelli and Philip Heckman, whose fabulous property is depicted in these photos, furnished their backyard with vintage Homecrest furniture, and with its retro vibes, comfort and durability, it’s easy to see why.

Collecting Vintage Homecrest

If you’re looking to identify a vintage piece of furniture or do research on the original upholstery, check out Homecrest’s archive catalog on their site. Their website also has other fantastic resources, such as repair guides for swivel chairs and a Model Identification feature to help you identify the authenticity and age of a specific piece.

**Alt text:**Mid-century modern patio vignette with two white wire lounge chairs in bright orange cushions flanking a round mesh coffee table set with a vintage yellow coffee service, styled on a patch of turf against a white block wall, with orange glazed ceramic planters holding cacti and succulents, palm trees visible above under a blue desert sky — Two Kingston swivel rockers and a low table make this a perfect corner for conversation and cold drinks.

When it comes to pricing, as with anything vintage, it will vary based on the particular model, the seller and whether the particular find is more or less rare. For instance, a set of vintage wire patio furniture with a table and four chairs (sans cushions) ranges from $1,900 for a discounted price on a white set to $3,900 for a more rare coral set.

As for condition, many vintage Homecrest chairs are sold without their cushions, so factor that into what you are willing to spend on getting vintage Homecrest furniture lounge-ready. While the majority of Homecrest furniture seems to have held up very well to the elements, you may encounter some that have rusted or that have issues with the swivel mechanism. See Homecrest’s website for resources on dealing with these issues.

Like collecting anything mid-century, patience and a little research will pay off.

Reupholstering Homecrest MCM Furniture

While Homecrest furniture upholstery is designed to last, after 80 years it may be time to update! If you need to replace the entire cushion, Homecrest’s website has a section called “Replacement Parts,” where you can shop for cushions or other parts of your Homecrest furniture.

If it’s just the upholstery itself you’re looking for, here are some ideas for unique replacements:

Homeowner Rex is a graphic designer and was able to research and adapt the pattern of his Homecrest chairs to his liking using Illustrator. Rex and Philip were then able to find an outdoor-worthy fabric and have Rex’s pattern printed on it.

If you don’t have design and fabric know-how yourself, no worries. Boutique bespoke company Hazy Sunshine, also based in the Midwest, specializes in vintage-style fabrics for outdoor furniture and can work with you to reupholster your Homecrest furniture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vintage Homecrest Furniture

What is Homecrest furniture? Homecrest is an American furniture manufacturer founded in 1953 in Goshen, Indiana. The company became well known for its casual outdoor and dinette furniture, particularly its wrought iron and tubular steel pieces featuring distinctive woven vinyl or cane-style seating. Vintage Homecrest pieces are recognizable by their elegant, mid-century silhouettes and quality craftsmanship.

How can I tell if a piece is genuinely vintage Homecrest? Look for a manufacturer’s label or stamp, typically found on the underside of chairs or the frame of tables. Authentic vintage pieces (generally pre-1980s) often feature heavier-gauge steel construction, hand-tied vinyl webbing, and a more refined finish than later production runs. The swivel rocker chair is one of the brand’s most iconic and collectible forms.

Is vintage Homecrest furniture durable enough for everyday use? Absolutely. One of the reasons collectors prize these pieces is their exceptional build quality. The steel frames were made to last decades, and many examples remain structurally sound with minimal maintenance. Joints may need re-welding on heavily used pieces, but the core construction typically holds up well.

Can the vinyl webbing or cushions be replaced? Yes. Replacement vinyl strapping in period-appropriate colors is widely available through outdoor furniture suppliers and upholstery shops. Recovering or re-strapping a worn Homecrest chair is a common and straightforward restoration project that can bring a piece back to near-original condition.

Where can I find vintage Homecrest furniture? Estate sales, garage sales, and online marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Chairish are the most reliable sources. Pieces also turn up regularly at mid-century modern antique dealers. Prices vary widely based on condition, completeness of a set, and regional demand.

Find more MCM backyard inspiration with 8 Stylish Mid Mod Backyards and Our 10 Favorite Pools. And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube for more Atomic Ranch articles, house tours, and ideas!